I seen a pair go on ebay. They looked completely rusted. The question may be dumb, but it seems logical that rusted rotors could be reused, if they are within spec, and sanded down to a smooth finish. The reason I say this is because it isn't the rotors themselves that make the compression, but the apex seals. Even if the rust created pits, I don't see how they could jepordize anything, as long as they aren't scratching the housings. And As long as the apex seals and springs are seated correctly they shouldn't give any problems. The housings on the other hand, I would understand. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Really depends. The rust may be hiding other problems with the rotors. If the rotors were in an engine that was a water-pumper and rusted from sitting in a bath of coolant, the seals may be rusted into the rotor as well.

Anyhow, it's a BIG chance. If they're cheap enough to be used as bookends if they're unusable, I'd get 'em. They'd need very careful cleaning and inspection if they were to be
used.

 

yeah that's true I could see the problem with the seals/ and or spring being rusted into the rotor. Since where on the subject. It seems that the rotors are the strongest component second only to the eccentric shaft. And if both where taken care of properly, could last for an extremely long time, when having to rebuild. If it weren't for the damn apex seals breaking off. What do you think of that theory? I know this is just pure imagination, but It's to bad there wasn't a roller type seal that could have been created, Instead of a spring and blade, it seams to me that would be the cure to most of the troubles.

 

Yeah, the issue is that the seals LOCK in place. When an engine is compressed, all the seals are compressed deep into the rotor, ALMOST flush with the face. You can barely catch a fingernail on side and cornerseals when tensioned. So, if you have a rusty (or seals that are otherwise locked in place from sitting) set of rotors with the seals in them, you can never get them out. It depends on the severity, but it's not something you want to screw with, trust me. Even letting a normal running engine sit for a few years unturned can result in the carbon and humidity in the air locking the seals in place, making them hard or impossible to get out. This is why we never let a rotary sit for a long time without turning it or lubricating it for storage to keep the seals nice and free. This is also why rotaries that have sat for extended time periods tend to let go shortly after being restarted...sticky seals break easier than free ones.